Crowe, Spencer split amid actor's hectic filming schedule

Date: October 15 2012

Exclusive Christine Sams

THE Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe has split from his wife of nine years, Danielle Spencer. Crowe and his musician wife have separated, with Crowe throwing himself into work as a result of the break-up.

Crowe and Spencer have two boys, Charles, 8, and Tennyson, 6. The split is said to be amicable, with Crowe and Spencer committed to protecting their boys from scrutiny.

Crowe is in the US filming the biblical epic Noah, while Spencer remains in Sydney with their sons.

The pair, pictured last year, were married in a purpose-built chapel at Crowe's farm in Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour, in April, 2003.

The couple, considered one of the more solid partnerships in Australian showbiz, faced rumours about their relationship in June when Spencer was pictured on a night out with Damian Whitewood, her dance partner on Channel Seven's Dancing With the Stars.

Crowe later met his wife at the airport, showing a rare display of affection in front of cameras by kissing her publicly. It was dubbed "damage control" by some commentators.

Crowe also surprised Spencer on the set of Dancing with the Stars this year, when he and their sons dressed in tuxedos to make an appearance on the show.

But apart from that - and his quick trip home for the Souths rugby league semi-final - Crowe has been mostly overseas this year working on films.

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